Missing from the welcoming committee was the Premier of the state, Barry O'Farrell, who did not take his place after his shock resignation on Wednesday morning.

With little time before the eyes of the world would be focused on the royal couple as they stepped on to Australian soil, behind the scenes organisers were frantically arranging for someone to replace him.

In the end, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, Governor of NSW Marie Bashir and husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Margie Abbott and president of the Legislative Council, Don Harwin, greeted the duke and duchess and Prince George as they made their way on to the tarmac for the start of the Australian leg of their first official tour as a family.

With Premier O'Farrell's appearance and planned speech hastily cut, it was up to the Duke of Cambridge alone to address the royals and the 400-strong VIP guests.

"For Catherine, Harry and me, born in the early '80s, we've never known anything else – Australia and Australians have always been for us a beacon of confidence, creativity in the arts and sporting ability," he said. The entourage made its way around the venue with haste, only staying still for a second or two for photos outside the Opera House.